Australian Labradoodle Grooming

Australian Labradoodles (ALs), as "triple hybrids," have two main coat types: fleece or wool--both of which require about the same type of care. Regardless, grooming these dogs will take a moderate amount of time and patience.

Here you'll find great details on maintaining the Australian Labradoodle coat, including info about brushing and bathing. You'll also get descriptions of some fabulous Australian Labradoodle haircuts.

In addition to its coat, your AL will need maintenance in other areas. Brush the dog's teeth 2-3 times per week; clean the ears monthly; and clip the dog's nails every 2-3 months.

For answers to your questions about Australian Labradoodle grooming, read on!

Overall Australian Labradoodle grooming will take some time--and a lot of the work in grooming an Australian Labradoodle involves maintaining the dog's coat.

Though neither coat type sheds much, consistent brushing will be necessary to avoid tangles. Get more info on how to brush your AL below.

Baths are only necessary every few months (unless, of course, the dog gets especially dirty or stinky and an "emergency bath" is in order). When bathing an Australian Labradoodle, make sure to use canine shampoo, and take the time to rinse the shampoo completely from the coat. Not doing both these things will cause skin irritation for your AL.

And of course, no Australian Labradoodle grooming guide would be complete without mentioning Australian Labradoodle haircut styles! Find descriptions of popular AL cuts in the Styling & Haircuts section below.

Though it's possible for owners to learn how to perform all aspects of Labradoodle grooming themselves, most people rely on professional groomers for major tasks like bathing and haircuts. In any case, it's a good idea to take your AL to a pro at least once. The groomer can give the dog a nice makeover, provide some Australian Labradoodle grooming tips, and demonstrate how to groom an Australian Labradoodle at home.

Brushing an Australian Labradoodle will need to happen 2-3 times per week. While the coats are pretty low-shedding, they do tend to tangle easily--and if left unchecked, the tangles will develop into mats and be very difficult to remove.

The best brush for an Australian Labradoodle is a medium slicker brush, as this type reaches all the way to the skin. If an AL's coat is not brushed down to skin level, it can "felt" (or fuse) underneath and be very uncomfortable for the dog.

How to brush an Australian Labradoodle: first wet the coat with water mist from a spray bottle (with some de-tangling solution mixed in if desired). Then go through the entire coat with the brush, moving in the direction of hair growth. If you encounter a tangle, try working it out with your fingers or with a greyhound comb.

A variety of Australian Labradoodle grooming styles look great on these dogs. Depending on the cut, your AL will need a touch-up trim every couple of months.

Some popular Australian Labradoodle cuts:

• Puppy Cut: A low-maintenance style. The entire coat is clipped short (to about two inches). Sometimes the hair on the legs, face, and head is left a bit longer. Can be done at home with some practice.
• Show Cut: Leaves the length, but requires some precision. The coat is scissor-trimmed by only a half-inch or so; the hair on the face, head, and tail is rounded and even. Needs a groomer's expertise.
• Teddy Bear Cut: Similar to a Puppy Cut, but the hair on the legs, face and head is left longer, and is carefully sculpted and rounded to make the dog resemble an adorable stuffed animal. Probably best done by a groomer.
• Town and Country Cut: A sophisticated style. The hair on the body is clipped short, but the hair on the legs is left longer and sculpted into cylindrical patterns. The face, head, and tail are rounded and teased out. Requires a groomer's skill.